Jackson OKs purchase of new firetruck

The Jackson Fire Department will get an upgrade next year after the Board of Aldermen approved just over $440,000 for the purchase of a new firetruck.

It will replace one in service the fire department has used for 36 years. The old firetruck will be retired, and a 26-year-old firetruck will be moved to reserve status.

Jackson fire chief Jason Mouser said a FEMA grant helped the department obtain a new ladder truck in 2012, but the last time the city was able to purchase a new fire engine was 1998.

The engine will be custom-made by Precision Fire Apparatus of Camdenton, Missouri, but that takes months, Mouser said.

"We think it's probably going to be early January, February of 2017 before we'd be putting the new apparatus into service," Mouser said, adding the new truck would likely improve the department's safety and effectiveness.

"When you look at the type of equipment, you have added safety features, versus a 39-year-old piece of equipment, which offers more safety for the firefighters, and in turn, they can provide better service as well," he said.

The board of aldermen also approved $6,400 for the Independence Day Celebration Fireworks Display. The sum will be matched by funds raised by the Fourth of July Committee.

The meeting also was the last for alderman Tim Welker, who resigned to spend more time with his family. His elected replacement, Phil Penzel, previously served on the board of aldermen.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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